How can we live with the Nembutsu as a Buddhist? That is a big question in life! Once again, I would like to quote from “A Life of Awakening: The Heart of the Shin Buddhist Path” written by Takamaro Shigaraki Sensei (translation by David Matsumoto Sensei).

“--- I believe that the words “neither monk nor one in worldly life” express Shinran Shonin’s fundamental attitude toward his own humanity, which permeated his entire life. If I were to apply this phrase to the theory of the two truths, ultimate and worldly, it might be rendered as “neither ultimate nor worldly.”

What then would it mean to live in a way that is “neither ultimate nor worldly”? Our lives would not simply be both ultimate and worldly, or both worldly and ultimate. Nor would they be half-ultimate and half-worldly. Rather, we would live in a way that is neither ultimate nor worldly and neither worldly nor ultimate. That is to say, both dimensions of our lives would undergo self-negation. And yet, at the same time, they would become a single dimension, leading to the dawning of new horizons within our lives. We could ache with terrible pain over the fact that our daily lives are not ultimate or true --- for we live contrary to the Buddha-dharma and are sunk deeply within the secular world. And yet, we would also live with profound aspiration when we realize that our daily lives are also not worldly --- for we seek to live nearer to the Buddha-dharma and reject this secular world, little by little. Thus, “neither ultimate nor worldly” signifies a complex interplay between the pain of being not true and the wish not to be of the world.

--- Therefore, in Shin Buddhism, to be engaged in society within shinjin means that each and every day our lives are grounded in a critical and relentless de-absolutization and negation of our own human lives and secular society. And, at the same time, our involvement in the world takes place within a complex interaction between --- and identity of --- profound pain and aspiration as to our own ways of living. I believe that the working of the mind that aspires for Buddhahood (self-benefit) and the mind to save sentient beings (benefiting others), which forms the inner reality of true and real shinjin, takes place in this kind of structure. It is an activity aimed toward our growth as human beings, as well as the development and maturation of all aspects of society. In this way, it represents the way in which Shin Buddhists can live authentically in the world.”

** Please disregard $5 for 2005 BCC Assessment fee if you have already paid.
** Thank you for those who have already submitted the 2005 membership fee.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Spring is in the air. This marks increased activity in and around our temple. Should you have concerns or suggestions, please feel free to contact me or members of the board. This is your temple.

We will be starting up a weeding Toban that will run from April to October of this year. This allows us to keep our temple grounds in tiptop shape.

Due to recent drainage work, the windows in the Hondo no longer steam up during rainy or damp days. The drapes however, suffered from mildew due to the moisture. These will be cleaned and re hung in the near future. Thanks Etsuko for taking on this task.

Mark Tasaka continues to keep our web site current and interesting.

On the subject of gardening I would like to express our thanks to Karen and Yosh for all the volunteer labour they provide to keep the trees and flowers looking their best. They approach the temple grounds, as does a painter when he or she puts paint to canvass.

Every time I come to the temple, I am reminded of the work done by members of the Sangha. I see the little things that are done constantly to make our temple a comfortable place. This is achieved through the sense of Dana that so many of you possess. Arigato Gozai-masu.

Inter-Temple Affairs

Uprooted: A Journey of Japanese Canadian Families documents the journey and resilience of Japanese Canadian fishing families in Steveston, British Columbia from 1890 to the present.

The fishing industry played a central role in the lives of many Japanese Canadians along the West Coast. From the beginning, anti-Asian sentiment affected the lives of Japanese Canadian fishing families and peaked with the internment period of World War 11. The years after WW11 were a time of rebuilding and redress.

Uprooted: A Journey of Japanese Canadian Fishing Families
April 2 – October 31, 2005
Gulf of Georgia Cannery
12138 Fourth Avenue
Richmond, BC

BCJSBCF

Five of us from the Steveston Buddhist Temple accompanied the Socho to the spring directors meeting in Hope. We discussed the upcoming Manning Park retreat to be held May 20, 21, 22, 23, 2005. (Application is posted on bulletin board)

Vancouver Island Obon Tour August 27-29, 2005 will be hosted by Kamloops this year. Contact the temple for details.

Several resolutions were discussed concerning the BCC. These resolutions will be discussed in detail at a special board meeting on the 27th. Steveston will vote on these resolutions at the forthcoming BCC AGM to be held in Steveston in April.

General housekeeping items: Newsletter, Gaming (BCJSBCF raffle) BC Buddhist Dharma School Teachers’ League, Japanese Canadian Memorial Monument Committee, Cemetery Research Project, BCC Centennial project. A great deal of ground was covered at this meeting.

Eyes to See and Ears to Hear, a collection of Dharma Articles by Michael Hayashi, will be made available to the BCJSBCF member temples very soon.

Namo Amida Butsu

In Gassho, Larry Ryan

FROM THE TREASURY

Does the gift of time equal money? As the membership knows, “BINGO” has been a long-standing profitable activity for the Steveston Buddhist Temple. Bingo has been going on each week for more than 30 years because many dedicated volunteers donate their time. The bingo operation is like a well oiled machine. Wednesday morning at 9 o’clock the chairs are already out for the smokers, the cash register is placed in the lobby, the dabbers and bingo cards are out on the tables being readied for sales and the coffee urns are being put in place. In the afternoon, sandwiches are being made as part of the food sales.

At 5:30 PM the “Bingo Enthusiasts” begin to arrive. Listening to the chatter, you can feel that they are looking forward to dabbing the numbers on the bingo cards as the caller announces the “Letter and Number”. Temple members should come out to see and be aware of the dedicated core of members that come out every week to volunteer for bingo and to raise money for the temple. To all the volunteers, I say, “Thank you for your dedication and the time you commit to Bingo”.

As Treasurer, my main responsibility is to keep the financial books for the Temple. Also, an important task is to review the costs and benefits of all the activities of the Temple to ensure that we are doing the right things. There is no doubt that bingo has been a major fund-raiser for the Temple. In very simple terms we can safely conclude that in 2005 dollars (the value of the dollar in 2005) bingo brings in between 150 and 200 dollars for each member of the temple. As a result, the Steveston Buddhist Temple has the lowest membership cost in Canada. Also, we can safely conclude, by looking at the time and effort of each volunteer that each volunteer on any given Wednesday will raise approximately 40 dollars for his evening’s work at the temple. Thus Bingo is a very effective means to raise money.

I know the Bingo crew needs help from time to time. Many of them have been coming out for years and years. If other members of the Temple could come out to help just 4 or 5 times a year which means helping out and contributing time once every two or three months, approximately $200 worth of value can be added to the Steveston Buddhist Temple coffers. In addition, one of the most important contributions also happens at the same time: that is the strengthening of the sangha at the temple. Just imagine! The “gift of time” can be even greater than “money”. Once again thanks to the Bingo Volunteers.

In Gassho, Bud Sakamoto, Treasurer

NOKOTSUDO MEMORIAL GARDEN

To all members and friends of the Steveston Buddhist Temple:

Please feel free to place flowers from your garden in the Memorial Garden. There are enough vases to accommodate your generous offering.

In Gassho, The Nokotsudo Committee

BCC UPDATE MARCH 2005 FROM THE OFFICE OF THE BISHOP

March is the month to welcome Spring and also observe Higan Service. It is the time to learn Buddha-Dharma by which we find the precious way of life. Also the time to pay tribute to our ancestors for their benevolent guidance to the Dharma as well as the material blessings that we enjoy today.

Great news from Okanagan Valley that Miyakawa Sensei is planning to challenge 15km swimming for Tsunami Fundraising in Kelowna on March 15th. He has to continue swimming for about six long hours. (Update: Miyakawa Sensei did complete his marathon swim – he swam 600 laps = 15 kilometers in 6 hours and 10 minutes using the butterfly stroke. Very impressive – and he didn’t seem too tired when he finished according to the Kamloops Temple cheering section.)

On February 11th Alice Hayashi’s funeral was held in Thunder Bay. I sent condolences on behalf of BCC to Mrs. Naoko Hayashi who suddenly lost her daughter-in-law.

Environmental awareness: For our children and grandchildren, we wish to leave Namoamidabutsu, not the contaminated world.

Hongwanji Youth Tour 2005: Main schedule from July 26th to Aug 2nd. Application will be coming soon.

BCC Centennial Commemoration plan was finalized

Aug 20 Saturday Eastern District

10:00 Chigo procession followed by New Temple Dedication/BCC Centennial Commemoration

13:30 Sarana Affirmation at 1011 Sheppard Ave. W., Toronto

18:00 Banquet at Prince Hotel

Aug 21 Sunday Manitoba District

14:00 Commemoration Service followed by Sarana Affirmation at Manitoba Buddhist Temple

18:00 Banquet at Winnipeg Delta Hotel

Aug 23 Tuesday Alberta District

11:00 Commemoration Service/ BBQ at Pavan Park in the City of Lethbridge.

In order to apply for Sarana Affirmation (Okamisori) by Gomonshu-sama, please talk to your resident minister or temple president.

Butsudan Available Campaign: So far 20 units were distributed on requests and contributions are also coming in. Thank you for your support.

POTLUCK SUPPER TO WELCOME NISHIYAMA SENSEI AND FAMILY
Saturday, April 2, 2005 at 6:00 p.m.

Rev. Nishiyama who is from Hawaii, is the guest speaker at our Hanamatsuri on April 3.
A potluck supper is being held to welcome Sensei, his wife and two children to our temple. Everyone is encouraged to attend this event. Please inform Hiroko Yoshihara (604. 277-6521) or
Chizuru-san (604.277-2323) regarding the number attending and the food being brought. This is the third time for this type of potluck. It is a very enjoyable gathering which should not be missed

FUJINKAI NEWS

Approximately $1200 will be forwarded to BCCWF as our Dana Day contribution for 2005.
As our Fujinkai is presently one of the larger groups in the Federation, we are pleased that our annual Dana gift is a significant amount. Thank you to everyone who returned their Dana Day envelope and also to the otera for their donation to the Fujinkai.

This month Toban 1 has been busy learning how to make anko and mushi manju under the tutelage of Mrs. Sasare Morizawa who has a wonderful ability to teach…patient and encouraging.
This has been both a satisfying and a tasty experience!

The Floater Group guided by Misaye Hamaura prepared chow mein for Keirokai. Daughters of members joined in to chop vegetables and to make the corsages for the attendees. A good time was had by everyone on Saturday afternoon.

Saturday, April 2 is the opening of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery exhibit, “Uprooted: the journey of the Japanese Canadian families”. Fujinkai and Dharma School will be serving manju and tea after the opening ceremony.

In Gassho, Hiroko Yoshihara

DHARMA SCHOOL REPORT

Time is passing fast, and we have so much to do in the next six months. We hope we can get as much volunteer help as we can.

Rev. Hattori is doing a short Dharma talk in Japanese during our family service. After our family services, Mr. Roy Akune is holding a study session on Shinran Shonin. If you are interested in this session, you are welcome to join him. We still have our usual social gathering time after the service.

We are having our Hanamatsuri Service on April 3rd. Rev. Nishiyama from Hawaii will be our guest minister. Join us and celebrate the birth of Sakyamuni Buddha. The service is at 10:30 a.m.